Ironman Paiement Returns to Wildcatters for Sophomore Season
August 14, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Texas Wildcatters News Release
BEAUMONT, TX (August 14, 2007) - Texas Wildcatters Head Coach and VP of Hockey Operations Malcolm Cameron announced Tuesday that the team has re-signed defenseman Jonathan Paiement to a contract for the 2007-08 season. As per team policy, terms of the deal were undisclosed.
Paiement, 22, skated in all 72 regular season games and 10 Kelly Cup Playoff games for the Wildcatters in 2006-07. Known for his playmaking ability and special teams play, the 6-1, 200 lb. defenseman registered 43 points (6-37-43) during the regular season and an additional three points (1-2-3) during the Wildcatters' first ever gambit into the ECHL postseason.
"Jonathan was a key component to our success last season. He played like a five-year veteran. I would constantly have to remind myself that he was a rookie," said Cameron, "I couldn't get him off the ice, just incredible for a rookie. He was on our top power play and penalty kill units and would regularly play upwards of 25 minutes a game."
Now entering his second season, Paiement appreciates the responsibilities- and benefits- that come with his veteran status. "It's a different role now, to no longer be a rookie. Some things will be very nice about that," he said, "But also, since I have played here in Texas and know what to expect throughout the season, want to be able to help some of the new guys. But my style shouldn't change, I hope to help the team even more this season."
"Paiement and [Keith] McWilliams were arguably the best rookie defensive pairing in the league last year," Cameron said, "Jonathan is our go-to guy this year on defense. No doubt about it. We can only be excited to watch him continue to improve this season and take us deep into the playoffs."
The Wildcatters' loss in the Division Finals last May did nothing more than make the Montreal, Quebec native more determined to win the Kelly Cup this season. "Last season making the playoffs was the goal. The only way to look back on this year and not be disappointed is to play well and know we won the championship."
Paiement will be attending training camp with the AHL's Manitoba Moose before reporting to camp with the Wildcatters on October 4.
The Texas Wildcatters are the proud ECHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild of the NHL and the AHL's Houston Aeros. Celebrate the Catters' Fifth Anniversary Season! Season Tickets are on sale now, call 951-5500. Don't miss the Home Opener, Saturday, Oct. 27 v. the Florida Everblades!
Opening Day for the ECHL's 20th Anniversary Season will be Oct. 18 when the Johnstown Chiefs host the Wheeling Nailers at Cambria County War Memorial in a rematch of Game 7 from the first-ever ECHL Finals.
ECHL Stories from August 14, 2007
- Steelheads Announce 2007-08 Preseason Games - Idaho Steelheads
- RoadRunners, CHL's Sundogs Meet in the "Battle of The Desert" - Phoenix RoadRunners
- Ironman Paiement Returns to Wildcatters for Sophomore Season - Texas Wildcatters
- Sparre Signs with Inferno - Columbia Inferno
- Elmira To Hold Booster Club Meeting - Elmira Jackals
- Trenton Devils Ink Zancanaro - Trenton Devils
- Cyclones Announce Preseason Schedule - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Salmon Kings collect Cole for another season - Victoria Salmon Kings
- Shawn Germain Returns To Reading - Reading Royals
- Contois, Thunder Agree To Terms - Stockton Thunder
- Grizzlies Coach Christie Offering Free Hockey Clinic Saturday - Utah Grizzlies
- Stingrays Weekly - South Carolina Stingrays
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
